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The most exciting racing on-water as SailGP returns to Plymouth – Britain’s Ocean City – for the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix on July 30-31.
On the southwest coast of England, in an area famed for its rich maritime history and the natural amphitheatre of Plymouth Sound, ten competing nations will race it out in identical fast foiling F50 catamarans reaching speeds exceeding 60mph.
This is the third event in the global championship’s calendar, following opening events in Bermuda and Chicago. After an extremely successful Season 2 event, the Grand Prix will once again be held in partnership with Plymouth City Council. Last year the event drew an estimated 27,500 spectators and brought in a $9.5 million boost to the local economy. The event also won the gold award in the Devon Tourism Awards, for Tourism Event/Festival of the Year.
In addition to having two action-filled race days, SailGP’s Inspire program aims to give area residents and its youth an exciting agenda to use the power of sport for good while developing sailing as a sustainable sport.
In 2021, SailGP partnered with Plymouth based Ocean Conservation Trust to connect sport and conservation, with a programme of free engagement and educational opportunities, a mammal protection plan for the racing weekend and the restoration of seagrass meadows in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
For 2022 – alongside continuing this important conservation and development work aligned to the National Marine Park – the city will also sign the league’s Climate Action Charter, committing to local impact projects that focus on clean energy impact and wider ocean conservation.
Fans in Plymouth will be able to witness some of the most incredible on-water racing scenes and get up close to an impressive line-up of world-class athletes and top sailing nations. The lineup for SailGP has expanded for this season, with Canada and Switzerland joining defending Season 2 Champions, Tom Slingsby’s Australia, home favorites Sir Ben Ainslie’s Great Britain, Denmark, France, Japan, Spain, New Zealand and the United States.
Absent from SailGP’s Plymouth debut in Season 2, Ainslie will be back in the driving seat in Plymouth and looking to give home fans something to cheer about – aiming for his first victory on home soil.
Ainslie said: “Last year’s event was fantastic, delivering on all fronts with close racing, perfect weather, big spectator numbers and even a whale!
“It will be great that now COVID restrictions are lifted even more fans can visit and watch the action from Plymouth Hoe, with its natural amphitheater providing one of the best viewing areas for any sailing event in the world.
“For our home event we also have exciting plans with our new charity partner ‘Protect our future’ to showcase Plymouth’s brilliant environmental credentials with the aim to help empower young people in the City with scientific knowledge to combat climate change.
“From a personal point of view, this will be the first time I have competed on home waters for nearly six years and there is nothing quite like it, we can’t wait”
Waterfront Access
Plymouth Hoe provides a spectacular viewpoint in which to immerse yourself in all the adrenaline-fuelled action, as the foiling catamarans race right before your eyes within the natural amphitheater of Plymouth Sound. Access to the official spectator area includes live race commentary, the chance to visit the official merchandise shop, a selection of refreshment stands, and a view of the main stage which will feature regular athlete appearances.
Waterfront Premium
Waterfront Premium is an exclusive section of the official spectator area. Here you can enjoy complimentary beverages from one of our event partners, select from a variety of premium dining options, relax on comfy seating and have access to luxury toilets. You’ll also be able to hear live race commentary while you watch the action-packed racing on big screens. With fantastic views across Plymouth Sound, you can rest assured there is no better location on land from which to watch the racing.
On-Water
SailGP has partnered with Plymouth Boat Trips to provide the official On-Water fan experience for the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix hosted in Plymouth – Britain’s Ocean City.
Official spectator boats will offer the closest vantage point to the racing and allow fans an unrivaled view of the world-class athletes and supercharged F50 catamarans as they compete at electrifying speeds across Plymouth Sound. Departing Commercial Wharf, Plymouth, two types of ticket options are available, Access and Premium – the latter providing fans with food and beverages. All tickets are climate positive with SailGP offsetting the carbon impact of the fans footprint on race days.
To find out more information or to book your tickets head to: www.sailgp.com
